title: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound detects perfusion defects in an ex vivo porcine liver model: a useful tool for the study of hepatic reperfusion.
abstract: Following transplantation, areas of hypoperfusion can be associated with metabolic changes and poor organ recovery. Our study evaluated contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) agents for the detection of such areas. Livers were collected from ten pigs, connected to extracorporeal circuits and perfused using autologous blood. After 1 and 4 h livers were scanned with an ultrasound machine following the administration of CEUS agents. Biopsies from perfused and non-perfused areas were collected. The entire parenchyma enhanced strongly on non-contrast ultrasound at 1 h with no perfusion defects. Four hours later multiple perfusion defects manifested not evident with non-contrast ultrasound. Histology confirmed non-perfused areas corresponded to ischemic zones. In our model the addition of CEUS revealed perfusion defects after 4 h. This might facilitate detection and characterization of perfusion defects in transplanted livers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester, Gwendolen Road, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK, ahmedwahabf@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alzaraa
authors.forename: Dhya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Al-Leswas
authors.forename: Wen Yuan
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Gianpiero
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gravante
authors.forename: Morgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dennison
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lloyd
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D010477:Perfusion; D010743:Phospholipids; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D013552:Swine; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride